Member Communication

Dear UNC member,

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

As many are aware, we have created the FARM Program Annual Form Packets that have been distributed to farms over the past couple of years and we have changed the color of the paper each year to help distinguish the change. This year we have created your 2026 Annual Forms Packet that will be on BLUE colored paper if you receive a paper copy. Digital versions are available in the Member Center at Milk Moovement. All required forms must be completed annually and current (within the last year) at the time of your FARM Program Animal Care Evaluation.

1. Go to the home page of the Member Center.

2. In the Resources section at the bottom right corner, select Industry Resources.

3. The FARM Program information is at the top of the list.  Click on the file that you would like to view.

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In addition to the FARM Program Annual Forms, the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Assessment is attached. The assessment is required to be fully completed and turned into the Membership Office by April 1, 2026. The assessment information is currently being used to determine the energy emissions for each farm and overall for the Cooperative, and it gathers tangible data on what our farms are doing. From these packets of information, we are more accurately able to represent you, our member farmers and owners, to customers and consumers and stay competitive in the marketplace. At  quick glance from 2024 data submitted, we can say over 85% of farms use byproducts in their feeds and as a source of bedding, over 90% reuse water, etc. Riley Bartels has joined our field team and is working on getting all submitted 2024 information entered by the end of December and will be sharing statistics in the member newsletter in the coming month. Riley has put together an example packet for reference when filling out your packets of what information is being requested of you in the various sections.

As a reminder we have created the new Stewardship Premium Program that requires a minimum the following to be completed annually:

        Environmental Assessment due to membership by April 1st 2026 to qualify for any Stewardship Premium Programs.

              If we do not receive a fully completed packet from your farm, you automatically do not receive a premium.

         Complete a Workforce Development Survey (via QR code or in person with a field staff member). If you have employees, you must do this survey for 2026

             to qualify for the premium.

        Complete a FARM Program Animal Care Evaluation and have all required paperwork completed by time of evaluation.

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In order to conduct a FARM Program evaluation on every farm in 2026, an Area Manager will be reaching out to schedule your evaluation. Please do not delay or cancel within reason. If you are ready to be evaluated right away, call and schedule with your Area Manager.

Please reach out with any questions to me, Madison Hopcia, or your Area Manager, Debbie Lampson, Erin Randall, Jeff Ewell, or Riley Bartels.

Thank you everyone for your continued efforts and hard work. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Madison Hopcia

Manager, Member Services

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